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s.2369: One New Law – Three New Ways to Protect Pets

Combination of Animal Welfare Measures Triples Protection

At a ceremony at the State House on Wednesday, August 24, 2016, Governor Baker signed S.2369, An Act to Prevent Animal Suffering and Death, into law. The law will take effect on November 17, 2016.

Watch a snippet of the State House ceremony

Did you know that S.2369 actually is 3 bills in one? The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is thrilled because the new law provides protection for pets in several ways! While there has been a great deal of attention –and rightly so– on the pets in vehicles portion of the bill, the ARL is pretty excited about the other provisions as well.

“With the signing of this bill, animals in Massachusetts will be safer. The need to enact S.2369 was met with widespread support throughout the House and Senate and now by the Governor’s office,” said Mary Nee, president of the ARL.

Having 3 separate animal welfare measures enacted helps keep Massachusetts at the forefront of animal protection…

s.23691. Pets in vehicles, a new legal tool in place

The ARL’s “Too Hot for Spot” campaign is aimed at educating pet owners on the dangers of leaving a pet in a vehicle and it certainly underscored the need for this measure.

The new bill now allows first responders, such as animal control officers, law enforcement officers, and police officials, and firefighters, to intervene early and rescue a pet from a hot car –or from a car in extreme cold weather– before the pet is suffering.

Additionally, there’s a new consequence for people who put their pets in harm’s way by leaving them in cars, separate and apart from animal cruelty. People who violate the law will be given tickets, and the fines increase if they are repeat offenders.

Citizens may also help rescue pets left in vehicles, but only under limited conditions that require them to first call 911 and make reasonable efforts to find the owner. If the pet is taken from the vehicle, the rescuer must stay with the pet at the scene until law enforcement personnel arrive at the scene.

Dog tethered2. Tethering of dogs, now reduced to 5 hour time limit

The new bill updates a law already in place, which didn’t seem to be working as well as it should have been. Under the old law, a dog could be tethered (tied or chained up) for up to 24 hours. The law did not prohibit tethering outside in terrible weather.

The new law now limits the time of tethering outside to up to 5 hours. Additionally, a dog cannot be tethered between the hours of 10PM and 6AM, or outdoors when a weather advisory, warning, or watch has been issued.

 

s.23693. The ARL and MSPCA can further help enforce the law

The new bill gives the ARL’s and MSPCA’s law enforcement officers the ability to rescue animals that are confined under “cruel conditions”, which includes exposure to excessive animal waste, garbage, dirty water, noxious odors, and other potentially dangerous circumstances.

Under the new law, the ARL and MSPCA will now be able to enforce the prohibitions under this section. They are also permitted to write citations to violators if an animal control officer is unavailable or is unable to respond to the scene.

“We are grateful that first responders and citizens can protect the well-being of animals,” says Mary Nee. “We are also excited that our law enforcement officers now have the ability to enforce the law and stop animals from living in, and being exposed to, cruel and inhumane conditions.”

KNOW THE LAW… Click here to read the details of S.2369, An Act to Prevent Animal Cruelty and Death.

THANK YOU to Governor Charlie Baker, Senator Mark Montigny, Rep. Lori Ehrlich, Rep. Angelo Puppolo, Rep. David Rogers, Rep. Louis Kafka, Senator Pat Jehlen, Senator Barbara L’Italien, Rep. Speliotis, and the many other legislators for their commitment to helping animals across the Commonwealth and for taking action to prevent animal suffering and death!

SPECIAL THANKS to the MSPCA and HSUS for their partnership on getting this important piece of legislation passed for animals in Massachusetts!

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Rep. Lori Ehrlich takes the podium.

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This adorable pup couldn’t help posing for the camera!

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Left to Right: Rep. Lori Ehrlich, Senator Mark Montigny, and Senator Tarr.

 

Watch the Video: Dog in Hot Car Demonstration

ARL participates in hot car demonstration in front of MA State House

Earlier today, July 14, 2016, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), MSPCA-Angell, and HSUS participated in a hot car demonstration in front of the Massachusetts State House to illustrate the dangers of leaving your pet in a hot car — even for a few minutes. On a warm sunny day, it’s just Too Hot for Spot®!

Click the “play” button below to watch the Facebook Live video of today’s demonstration:

Senator Mark Montigny of New Bedford, the original sponsor of the bill, and Representative Lori Ehrlich of Marblehead, spoke at the event alongside officials from the ARL, MSPCA, and HSUS. Local law enforcement, fire fighters, and animal control officers who respond to calls about animals in hot cars were also in attendance.

As the speakers delivered their remarks, the live hot car demonstration showed the thermometer inside a vehicle rise to well over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes.

On June 28, the Senate passed a bill (S 2369) that would set civil penalties for abandoning an animal in a hot car and would make clear that police officers, firefighters and animal control officers may enter a hot car for the sole purpose of releasing an animal believed to be in danger. The bill is now before the Committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling.

The ARL urges swift passage of S. 2369 An Act to Prevent Animal Suffering and Death… and YOU can help!

Please contact your Massachusetts State Representative and ask them to pass S. 2369 AN ACT TO PREVENT ANIMAL SUFFERING AND DEATH. Find your representative.

More information on summer pet safety.

Tomorrow: Hot Car Demonstration at MA State House Underscores Danger to Pets

Hot car demonstration helps urge lawmakers to protect pets in the summer heat

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) and other leading animal protection organizations and citizen advocates are calling on the Massachusetts state legislature to pass S. 2369—An Act to Prevent Animal Suffering and Death—which would enable faster rescue of pets trapped in hot cars, just as summertime temperatures are heating up.

To drive awareness for the plight of pets left in hot cars, which—according to the American Veterinary Medical Association—claims the lives of hundreds of animal lives every year—the MSPCA-Angell, ARL, and HSUS will underscore the threats pets face when trapped in hot cars, all while a thermometer tracks the steadily rising temperature inside a “hot car” demonstration vehicle.

Too Hot for Spot

Stop by the Massachusetts State House tomorrow, July 14, at 12:00 noon to see a live hot car demonstration to see how quickly temperatures rise inside a vehicle on a sunny day.

Stop by to see the live demonstration!
Thursday, July 14, 2016
12:00 p.m
“The well” at the Massachusetts State House

ARL’s Director of Advocacy, Nadine Pellegrini, will be speaking in support of S. 2369, as well as the bill’s sponsors, Senator Mark Montigny and Representative Lori Ehrlich, and officials from MSPCA-Angell and HSUS.

Local law enforcement, fire fighters, and animal control officers who respond to calls about animals in hot cars will also be in attendance.

S. 2369 would give first responders including police officers, fire fighters and animal control officers explicit authority to rescue an animal from inside a car when conditions, such as extreme heat or cold, are reasonably expected to threaten the health of the animal. The bill would also allow an individual to enter a car if the animal is in imminent danger, and no other options exist.

Learn more about S. 2369 and related animal protection legislation currently under consideration in Massachusetts.

More information on summer pet safety.

Over 170,000 Signatures Collected to STOP Farm Animal Cruelty

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) hosts rally to celebrate successful signature campaign

We’re thrilled to be a part of the Citizens for Farm Animal Protection campaign, where over 170,000 signatures have been collected to phase out the extreme confinement of animals at industrial-style factory farms, as well as the sale of products produced under those conditions. Last week, fifteen boxes containing the #StopCrueltyMA signatures made their way to the Secretary of the Commonwealth for certification and to secure a spot on the November ballot.

Interested in lending a hand? Learn how you can help.

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Special thanks to all of the wonderful organizations involved including the HSUS, ASPCA, MSPCA Animal Action Team, Franklin Park Zoo, The Humane League – Boston, Mercy For Animals, Farm Forward, Compassion in World Farming (USA), Animal Equality, Farm Sanctuary, the Mass Sierra Club and all of the dedicated volunteers who collected signatures and to all those who supported this momentous effort to end the extreme confinement of farm animals!

 

Check us out… On Newbury Street!

Animal adoption message featured in ARL’s “Designing for Good” exhibit

The owner of The Newbury Collection, Jamestown, L.P., has transformed several prominent window spaces on Newbury Street in Boston into a six-week exhibit called “Designing for Good”.

Check out the ARL on Newbury Street

Check out ARL’s “Designing for Good” window exhibit at 91 Newbury Street from now through the end of June, and click the photo to learn more about Paisley, our adorable adoptable pictured!

Four local non-profits, including the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), were paired up with a recognized designer from the Boston area to create art that highlights the charitable work of each organization.

Check out ARL’s window at 91 Newbury Street. The artwork is also on display at 144 Newbury Street and 899 Boylston Street.

The ARL was partnered with illustrator Chris Piascik to create a colorful and whimsical window vinyl that would encourage fellow animal lovers to SPRING INTO LOVE… ADOPT and to get involved!

“We are honored to be featured as a non-profit partner for this wonderful, creative design project along Newbury Street,” says Mary Nee, President of the Animal Rescue League of Boston. “Our city is full of great people who support one another and this is just another example of that kindness and generosity and we are proud to be a part of the work.”

THANK YOU to Jamestown L.P. and Chris for sharing the importance of adopting a shelter pet– and bringing attention to animals in need at the ARL!

 

 

 

Whiskers & Wine: ARL Toasts its Biggest Supporters

THANK YOU to our 400+ President’s Council donors for making our important work possible!

On the evening of May 12, 2016, over 125 of ARL’s biggest supporters came together at the historic Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston for the second annual Whiskers & Wine President’s Council Spring Social. See photos from last night’s event.

ARL’s corporate sponsors, Board of Directors, Leadership Council, President’s Council (those who donate $1K or more annually), volunteers, and staff toasted its most committed supporters for making our important work possible.

Click here or on the “play” button below to watch a video about the over 13,400 animals in need they helped in 2015!

Royalty Free Music from Bensound

Throughout the evening, guests mingled with fellow animal lovers over sparkling wine and delicious hors d’oeuvres. During the speaking program, key members from the ARL discussed the impact that our donors’ generosity has had on the thousands of animals who receive care through ARL’s programs and services each year.

Malcolm McDonald, ARL’s Board Chair, kicked off the evening with a big THANK YOU to everyone who made last night’s event– and our very important work possible. He also spoke about being the proud pet parent of two special ARL alum, his dog Hazel and his cat Max, without whom he couldn’t imagine his life without!

Dr. Kyle Quigley,  ARL’s Lead Veterinarian of Community Veterinary Services, Brian O’Connor, ARL’s Manager of Rescue Services, and Debby Vogel, ARL’s Manager of Volunteer and Educational Programs, shared very personal and heartfelt stories about how their individual programs positively impacted an animal in need.

From a woman desperate to get her cat spayed in the middle of a snowstorm, to a dog named Faith that was rescued after 7 weeks of being on the run, to a dog named CJ who helped get a young man get through a very difficult time, there were many laughs and even some tears shared amongst the crowd.

President Mary Nee also gave a glimpse into ARL’s exciting vision for the future. “Tonight, I am pleased to share with you our newly adopted statement of mission, the foundation that will guide our programs and plans in the years to come: We are an unwavering champion for animals in need, committed to keeping them safe and healthy in habitats and homes… It’s because of people like YOU who support this work, that most animals will able to live safely and healthy in their habitats and homes.”

Walter Kenyon, ARL’s Leadership Council Chair, closed the evening by sharing his excitement for following up with President’s Council members in the weeks ahead about the details of this bold new vision.

VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO… Our generous donors for expressing your love of animals, compassion, and kindness through your support of the Animal Rescue League of Boston!

…and to our corporate supporters of Whiskers & Wine 2016…

BIG DOG SPONSORS
Blue Hills Bank
Katherine Burdon
David McGrath
Anonymous

TOP CAT SPONSORS
Mintz Levin
Malcolm McDonald & Susan Passoni
Nancy Z. Bender

PUPPY PAL SPONSORS
AAF CPAs
Grossman Marketing Group
MFS
Risk Strategies Company
STV | DPM
Carol Akerson & Rich Kelly
Doug Zeghibe
Jane & Andy Urban
Lee Ann, Mike, and Mia Leahy

FELINE FRIEND SPONSOR
Bowditch & Dewey
East Boston Savings Bank
Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty
Kirkiles & Associates Commercial Insurance Brokerage, LLC
Russo’s
Sullivan & Worcester
Kenn Freed
Mark J. Lanza, Esq.
The Fairmont Copley Plaza

75 Cats Spayed/Neutered During ARL’s Fix-a-Feral Clinic

THANK YOU to our dedicated volunteers and staff who made this important work possible!

On a very snowy Sunday morning, 34 extremely dedicated ARL volunteers and 11 ARL employees stood ready and waiting to receive 75+ cats during its first Fix-A-Feral Clinic of the year at ARL’s Boston shelter.

During the Fix-a-Feral Clinic, 75 cats were successfully spay/neutered, vaccinated, and received an individual behavioral screening.

Thanks to a generous donor, the ARL was able to offer these trap, neuter, and release (TNR) services to 14 feral cat caretakers in the Greater Boston Area—FREE of charge!

Cheryl Traversi, manager of community veterinary services at the ARL, works very closely with these community cat trappers, feeders, and caretakers.

“Providing spay and neuter services to these community cat trappers is a vital part of feral cat colony management,” explains Dr. Kyle Quigley, lead veterinarian of ARL’s community veterinary services.

In fact, studies have shown that humanely trapping, spaying/neutering, and releasing (TNR) feral cats back to the colonies where they have been living is one of the most effective ways to decrease the number of homeless animals in our community.

Feral cats are cats that have either lived for an extended period of time with little or no human contact. Sometimes these cats have been abandoned by previous owners; other times they are the offspring of stray or other feral cats.

Watch the video below for a brief recap of ARL’s Spring Fix-a-Feral Clinic 

PUT YOUR PAWS TOGETHER FOR our incredible volunteers and staff members who helped with Sunday’s Fix-a-Feral Clinic… and for our donor, without whom this week’s clinic would not have been possible!

Learn more about ARL’s high-quality affordable spay/neuter services at arlboston.org/spay-neuter.

Strong Showing at Humane Lobby Day 2016!

ARL participates alongside local & national animal welfare organizations

Earlier today, state representatives and citizen animal advocates reinforced to legislators how important the issue of animal welfare is to their constituents by the strong attendance at Humane Lobby Day 2016.

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ARL’s director of advocacy, Nadine Pellegrini, takes the podium at Humane Lobby Day.

Volunteers and staff proudly represented the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) at the Massachusetts State House. Attendees who visited the ARL table were impressed by the important work that we’re doing in the community and our continuous efforts to educate the public about animal welfare and safety.

A big piece of that effort is the addition of Nadine Pellegrini, ARL’s director of advocacy. In her new role, Nadine will provide leadership and direction on the organization’s busy animal welfare agenda.

“I’m very proud to be here at my first Lobby Day,” Nadine told the crowd. “You folks are unstoppable!”

This year, Nadine was asked to speak to event attendees about bill S. 1092, An Act Relative to the Tethering of Dogs. After discussing the research behind the “anti-tethering” bill, Nadine closed with the gentle reminder that, “dogs are not only a part of our lives, but also a partner in our lives.”

Key representatives from HSUS, MSPCA, and ASPCA also spoke about the important animal welfare bills that constituents should address with their legislators, such as: (S. 1103) An Act to Protect Puppies and Kittens; (S. 2069) An Act Regulating the Enforcement of Illegal Hunting Practices; (S. 415) An Act Expanding the Powers of the Director of Fisheries and Wildlife; (H. 658) An Act Relative to the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.

ARL staff spoke with state representatives and citizen animal advocates about what makes our local organization unique.

ARL staff and volunteers spoke with citizen animal advocates about the ARL and it’s programs and services.

Awards were also presented to local town and city leaders who were identified as champions for animal protection and welfare.

The Municipal Leadership Award was granted to Boston City Councilor Matt O’Malley and to Cambridge City Councilor Marc McGovern. The Humane Legislator Award was presented to Massachusetts State Senator Michael Moore and to Massachusetts State Representative Lori Ehrlich.

CONGRATULATIONS… to this year’s award recipients and thank you for helping to achieve stronger protections for animals in the Commonwealth!

VERY SPECIAL THANKS… to our Humane Lobby Day 2016 partners HSUS, MSPCA, and ASPCA for giving animals a voice and asking state legislators to pass laws that benefit both animals and humans alike!

ARL Debuts Christine Barton Feline Suite

ARL’s newly constructed Feline Suite has been named in memory of longtime volunteer, Christine Barton

Earlier this week, volunteers and staff gathered together at ARL’s Boston shelter to celebrate the life of the caring, committed, and longtime volunteer, Christine Barton.

Read the North End Waterfront article.

During the naming ceremony, ARL’s volunteer and educational programs manager, Debra Vogel, gave a heartfelt speech about why the Feline Suite was dedicated in Christine’s name:

feline suite

On Monday, ARL’s new Feline Suite was dedicated to longtime volunteer, Christine Barton! Funding for the Feline Suite was generously donated by the Gelnaw family!

Shy and fractious cats, like Frisky, surrendered to the ARL’s Boston shelter sometimes struggle in the traditional kennel environment. The newly renovated Feline Suite gives these cats a more home-like setting to rehabilitate and ultimately find a permanent home.

In the summer of 2015, the ARL lost a treasured member of their volunteer team, Christine Barton, after a battle with cancer.
 
Christine was a feline friend, a photographer, and a mentor. She spent countless hours patiently caring for the animals at the ARL.  Her devotion spanned from sitting for long periods of time with a shy cat to waiting for the perfect photo of a rambunctious puppy.
 
While her love for animals was obvious, her concern for children was just as strong. Christine frequently said, ‘I just want to do good’.
 
Feline Suite

ARL president, Mary Nee, and Feline Suite donor, Michelle Gelnaw unveil Christine’s plaque at the dedication ceremony.

Christine’s final wish was to have one more chance to visit the ARL’s Boston shelter. The Feline Suite that is being dedicated in her name, gives challenging cats a second chance. In this space, current volunteers can carry on Christine’s work to care for the cats in residence there. Nothing made Christine happier than to see once challenging cats flourish and find a new home.

Funding for the Christine Barton Feline Suite was generously donated by the Gelnaw family. They requested that the Feline Suite be named in Christine’s memory to help her legacy live on!
 

THANK YOU to Christine Barton for her many years of dedicated service to animals in need at the ARL!

…And to the Gelnaw family for their generous donation to help give struggling cats a chance to find a loving home!

Happening Now: ARL Hosts Free Spay-Neuter-A-Thon

ARL spays/neuters 52 Cape Cod animals in need on World Spay Day

Early this morning, ARL’s Spay Waggin’ pulled into Falmouth, MA to host it’s very first Free Hip to Snip Free Spay-Neuter-A-Thon on the 22nd annual World Spay Day.

The last Tuesday of every February, National World Spay Day shines a spotlight on the power of affordable, accessible spay/neuter to prevent pet overpopulation.

Thanks to a generous grant from Cold Noses Foundation, the ARL’s Spay Waggin’ is providing free spay and neuter services to animals in need on Cape Cod. The mobile surgical unit will be stationed outside of the Petco in Falmouth today and tomorrow.

Dr. Kyle Quigley, lead veterinarian at the ARL, helped spay and neuter over xxx animals on the Spay Waggin' in 2015!

DID YOU KNOW… that the ARL’s Spay Waggin’ provides high-quality, affordable spay and neuter services to cats and dogs on Cape Cod and the South Shore? Dr. Kyle Quigley, lead veterinarian at the ARL, spayed and neutered over 260 animals on the Cape in 2015!

During the event, Dr. Kyle Quigley, lead veterinarian for community veterinary services at the ARL, will welcome a total of 52 cat and dog patients aboard the Spay Waggin’.

“Spaying or neutering your cat or dog offers very important health benefits, yet finding affordable options can pose a challenge for many pet owners on Cape Cod,” says Dr. Quigley.

He explains that one of the ARL’s goals for the Hip to Snip Free Spay-Neuter-A-Thon is to help Cape Cod residents looking for an affordable option to learn more about the exceptional care pets receive on the Spay Waggin’.

In 2016, the Spay Waggin’ will visit Cape Cod on the third Tuesday of every month. Visits will rotate between Petco in Falmouth and The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in Yarmouth. To view the schedule, visit arlboston.org/spay-waggin.

ONLY YOU CAN MAKE THIS WORK POSSIBLE!

The Ellen B. Gray Memorial Fund has challenged us to turn a generous $5,000 donation into $20,000 before the end of February to bring spay and neuter services to more animals in need!

All funds donated during the It’s Hip to Snip Fund Drive now through February 29 will benefit the ARL’s community spay and neuter programs including the Spay Waggin’.

The ARL receives no government or public funding to provide spay and neuter services to animals in need  — ONLY YOU can make this important work possible!

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VERY SPECIAL THANKS to our challenge donor, The Ellen B. Gray Memorial Fund; Da Vinci Ristorante; our media sponsors and partners Friends of Jake and Liam, WBZ, WEEI, WRKO, WZLX, 98.5 The Sports Hub, and WBOS; and everyone who made a donation to support ARL’s spay and neuter programs during the It’s Hip to Snip Fund Drive!

For more spay and neuter resources, visit arlboston.org/spay-neuter.